1988 BMW M5 vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
